What Are Top-Tier Sororities? What To Know Before You Rush (2024)
With fall sorority rush season in full swing as many students’ semesters begin and Bama Rush all over our FYPs, it may be wise to brush up on the basics of Greek life before pledging for your chosen organization. One of the most important things to understand about Greek organizations is their tiers. The Greek tier system is like an unofficial ranking of specific sorority houses based on certain attributes the sorority may contribute, such as philanthropic or social involvement. So, what is considered a top-tier sorority? The middle tier? Or perhaps a lower tier — and how will this affect your sorority experience? You might want to add this to your list of things to know before you rush.
So, here’s a major spoiler alert: There technically isn’t a ranking of university sororities! The ranking and tier list of specific sororities is typically based on people’s popular opinions. Each university has its own method of ranking certain houses; sometimes based on house status, the philanthropic and academically-driven nature of sorority houses, or unfortunately on a superficial standard.
On the superficial level, top-tier sororities have members who are considered conventionally beautiful, wealthy, and socially active on campus. A survey conducted by Northwestern under the Institute of Policy Research evaluated participants’ critiques and statements addressing their time in Greek life. According to the findings of the study, “In this tier system, fraternities and sororities are rated according to members’ attractiveness, partying and lifestyle, and wealth. According to participants, fraternity men have greater influence over the tiers and social hierarchy on campuses because they decide who gets invited to parties.”
Additionally, being a member of a top-tier Sorority may influence the experience you’ll have during your time in Greek life. E! News emphasized this sentiment further in an examination of the ins and outs of Bama Rush by a comment from a current sorority member. Rian, a Sigma Kappa member, explained how the tier system works like a hierarchy among sororities and how it can affect your time as a member. Being a member of a top-tier sorority can also provide other perks such as networking or involvement in social gatherings.
In a TikTok, user @runninhighheels broke down the top-tier houses at the University of Alabama that are considered Old Row (the oldest fraternities on campus) and how they relate to the newer sorority houses and their status.
While the negative opinions of the tier system may appear overwhelming, keep in mind that not all sororities operate in this way, and that top-tier sororities are often such because of their outstanding contributions to the community and society as a whole. For example, Kappa Alpha Theta, renowned as the first Greek Letter fraternity for women, is one of the more well-known Greek organizations. The sorority, like most Greek life organizations, concentrates on philanthropic activities and events, specifically in service, fundraising, and advocacy. Kappa Alpha Theta also founded the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation and the National CASA/GAL Association for Children.
Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta are two other sororities that have historically been recognized for their commitment to racial justice. Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first historically African American intercollegiate sorority. The organization takes pride in launching programs that improve the social, economic, and educational well-being of others, such as A Call to Action, Women’s Healthcare and Wellness, Building Your Economic Legacy, The Arts, and Global Impact. Delta Sigma Theta was the first sorority to offer employment counseling and professional development to Black women.
Also, just because a sorority is regarded as top-tier at your institution does not necessarily imply that it is the top sorority for you (bad pun, I know). The tier system can sometimes inspire more prospective pledges to join a certain sorority, resulting in fewer applicants for other sororities in the middle or lower tiers. The most important thing to do when rushing is to research and explore your options. You want to join a sorority that is compatible with your morals and values and that you will love for the next four years. At the end of the day, what is considered a top-tier sorority is entirely dependent on how you view the house.
A top tier sorority is bigger, more sought after, and more popular. They care about being the best at everything and their reputation. They might have more influential people on campus or notable alums. They're stricter on the rules and have a stronger sense of type.
What are the 5 B's in Rush? The Five B's of Rush are Boys, Ballots, Booze, Bible, and Bucks. These represent touchy subjects you should avoid bringing up during your conversations.
Kappa Kappa Gamma (“Kappas”) is known for being a sorority of rich girls. Their reputation varies from campus to campus, but they are universally considered top-tier.
One of the most important tenets? Be open and honest with everyone around you. This might seem obvious, but some of the time, people feel like they have to put on a front. Some sisters-to-be will go out of their way to create (what they believe to be) a “perfect” version of themselves, free of uncertainties.
Sisters and PNMs are told to stay away from discussing any of the 4 B's—booze, boys, brownstones, and bars. According to women who have previously gone through recruitment, the process feels “tiring, repetitive, and superficial.”
Delta zeta is a very well rounded sorority. They are not the top house but have pretty good events and mix with a decent amount of other frats and sororities.
"Avoid bringing up the five 'B Words': Boys, Ballots, Booze, Beliefs, and Bucks." Okay... this is a "yes and no" kind of thing. The "B Words" list—comprised of topics that PNMs should supposedly "never ever discuss" during recruitment week—has been circulating for years now.
Don't do something you may regret later because of peer pressure to go out. There are strict rules against partying during sorority rush and these rules are taken very seriously. Even the girls in Panhellenic can't go out, so you all have something in common that week.
How much are the most expensive sorority dues? The most expensive sorority, or at least one of the most expensive, is the University of Alabama. A new member will pay over $4,000 per semester.
“The sororities rushing you want to impress you just as much as you want to impress them. Be yourself and trust your gut when you're making decisions.” “Don't be afraid to start a conversation of your own. You don't have to just sit there and answer the questions that they ask you!”
When you become a big you want to make sure you are going into the relationship with the mindset that you are a mentor for your little. You, as the big, should be able to show your little the ropes, guide them when they have questions and be their shoulder to lean on.
They are always top 3 for GPA each quarter and constantly improve their executive board standards. Overall, Sigma Kappa is definitely the top sorority at Cal Poly for multiple different reasons.
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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